Meppen: Old Town, Culture and Cycling Routes
Accommodation in Meppen
Meppen combines architectural and fortress history with cultural attractions and routes for cyclists. The Hase and Radde rivers, the Ems and the Dortmund-Ems Canal meet in the city. The Höltingmühle stands on a promontory between the Hase and the Dortmund-Ems Canal.
Old Town and Fortress History
The historic old town is framed by the ramparts and moat of the former fortress. The historic town hall contributes to the character of the pedestrian zone around Meppen’s market square. The building dates from 1408 and has a distinctive stepped gable. Meppen thus brings together a range of historical themes: the former fortress complex and a town hall with a clearly stated date of origin and striking gable design.
Discover the City’s History in Different Ways
The Tourist Information Office offers guided city walks where you can explore Meppen’s more than 1,200-year history. The GPS-guided History Tour covers Meppen’s buildings, sights and historic sites, as well as the history of the fortress. The tours focus on different aspects: the city walks provide an overview of the city’s long history, while the History Tour connects specific sites with the history of the fortress.
The MEPPEN 1638 Tour uses VR and AR to reconstruct demolished fortress walls, ditches, bridges, gates, defensive structures and buildings such as Paulsburg. You can take the tour on your own mobile device or use a loan device from the Meppen Tourist Information Office. As loan arrangements may change, check with the office in advance about borrowing a device.
Museums and Contemporary Art
The Emsland Archaeology Museum brings prehistory to life and displays a replica of a prehistoric megalithic tomb. The museum at the Arenberg estate offers information about the region’s history. The Koppelschleuse Art Center offers a different cultural perspective: its exhibition program presents contemporary art from the region and beyond. The themes thus range from prehistory and regional history to contemporary art.
Summer at the Open-Air Theatre
During the summer months, Meppen’s open-air theatre stages musical theatre. The program also includes a musical production for families every year; the individual productions vary. If your travel dates are already set, check the schedule for your visit. This will help you decide whether a summer theatre visit suits your stay, without assuming the same program every year.
Cycling Routes with Different Starting Points
The HĂĽmmlinger HĂĽgel-Tour starts in Meppen. The city is also crossed by themed circular routes for day trips and long-distance cycling routes. This distinction is useful when choosing your route: Meppen is the starting point for the HĂĽmmlinger HĂĽgel-Tour, while the other routes mentioned pass through the city. Check the latest route information before setting out, as details may change. This lets you plan your trip to Meppen around a specific starting point or routes that pass through the city.
Discover more destinations: Lingen (Ems), Werlte, Fresenburg, Stavern, Haren / Ems, HaselĂĽnne, Kluse, LĂĽnne
See the overview of destinations in the region: Emsland.
